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Florida Basketball: Colin Castleton’s career night propels Gators over Owls

By Benjamin Henderson

Mar 10, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators forward Colin Castleton (12) gets pumped up against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators forward Colin Castleton (12) gets pumped up against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida basketball has begun the Todd Golden era and it is still far too early to tell if this era for the Gators will be, well you know, golden. And while Florida has a couple of key transfers on the squad this year, it was Colin Castleton’s career night that allowed the Gators to pull away from a scrappy Kennesaw State squad on Friday night.

Florida Basketball: King of the castle

Kennesaw State walked onto Billy Donovan Court with all five starters that they had last season. So while the Owls didn’t have the greatest of years last year, going 13-18, experience in college basketball can go a long way.

And while the Gators were never in danger of losing to the Owls, Florida basketball had to scrap and claw its way to victory. Castleton’s career night ensured the ship stayed upright in Gainesville.

The senior had a career high 33 points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks as the Gators held off the Owls 88-78.

One of Golden’s trademarks is three point shooting, but the Gators only had four made three pointers. And on 30 made field goals, Florida only had 11 assists.

Yet Florida basketball put up 88 points because Castleton looked the part of an NBA draft prospect playing against a mid-major. The Owls simply had no answer for him on the inside and even though Kyle Lofton fouled out with over ten minutes left to play, Florida kept scoring at will to never allow the game to be in doubt.

Probably the biggest blemish for the Gators was the 11 offensive rebounds they gave up off 42 total opportunities. Even though Florida had 10 blocks as a team and Kennesaw State shot 42% from the field, the Owls still put up 78 points.

A win is better than a lose though. Ask FSU after their game against Stetson. And if Castleton continues to play at this high of a level, Florida basketball can do some real damage this season.

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